WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao government announced a so-called time-out on Thursday to get the corona infections on the island under control. Stricter measures will apply from January 7 to January 17.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas emphasized during the press conference that these are temporary measures to reduce the number of contact moments and to give people time to get their booster vaccination. The curfew is in effect from 7 January from 10 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. Catering establishments and Truki Pan's (BBQ trucks) may remain open until 9 p.m.
Public transport may continue to operate until 10 p.m., drivers are given until 11 p.m. to get home. In addition, all events until January 17 will be canceled. Low-risk meetings are also not allowed to take place. Sports in groups is also not allowed. Gyms are allowed to use fifty percent of the capacity.
Baptisms and weddings are discouraged by the government. "If people decide to let these events continue, it is entirely at their own risk," Pisas said.
Minister Sithree van Heydoorn (MFK) of Education, Science, Culture and Sport indicates that since the outbreak of the omicron variant, the ministry has already been making preparations. "We cannot afford for our children to fall further behind," concludes the minister. After consultation with the crisis team, school boards and trade unions, it has been decided that the schools will open on January 17. There will be protocols for schools. The holiday from February 28 to March 4 is cancelled.